- Parkway Pantai

A Parkway Pantai Quarterly
OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014
COVER STORY
Parkway Pantai honours
its nurses
PAGE 8
24-hour treadmill challenge
raises public awareness of
health coverage
PAGE 16
Mount Elizabeth Novena
officially opens
PAGE 36
october to december
2014
PARKWAY PANTAI TEAM
Editor-at-large
Lim Bee Ling
Editorial Advisors
Ahmad Shahizam
Janet Low
Copy Editor
Angeline Ang
DESIGN
ENTELECHY
Mosaic is published quarterly by Parkway Pantai Limited and
printed by A&D Printhub Pte Ltd. All rights reserved. No
portion of this publication may be reproduced without the
written permission of the publisher. We take every care and
precaution to ensure that information published in Mosaic
is accurate at the time of publication, but Parkway Pantai
cannot guarantee its accuracy and we may change the
information at any time without prior notice. The information
contained in Mosaic magazine is not an invitation to invest
in the shares, or any other products or services or otherwise
deal in these or enter into a contract with “Parkway Pantai”
or any other Parkway Pantai Company.
Parkway Pantai Limited, TripleOne Somerset, 111 Somerset Road
#15-01, Singapore 238164. Tel: (+65) 6307 7880 Fax: (+65) 6738 7341.
© Parkway Pantai Limited 2014. This publication and information
contained herein is strictly for internal use only and contains Parkway
Pantai proprietary information which is restricted to Parkway Pantai
employees and within the Parkway Pantai Group. Access to, use or
copying by non-Parkway Pantai employees in any form or other, is
strictly prohibited. For information about Parkway Pantai, visit
www.parkwaypantai.com. All information correct as of date of print.
Parkway Pantai Limited Company Registration No. 201106772W
MCI (P) 111/02/2014
It’s all about recognising staff achievements and their hard work
in this issue of Mosaic, as Parkway Pantai celebrates Nurses’ Day
and Long Service Awards in Singapore.
In the last Mosaic, we saw how our hospitals in Malaysia
commemorate Nurses’ Day with a host of activities ranging from
carnivals and themed dinners to staff performances and mass
exercise. Some hospitals took a step further to mark the occasion
with heartwarming community activities.
In Singapore, it was about “Nurses Leading Change” – the
theme for this year’s Nurses’ Day. It reflects the level of trust and
confidence we have in our nursing workforce, who are at the
forefront of our healthcare system.
Nurses today are competent professionals wearing multiple hats
as they go about their daily tasks as caregiver, counsellor, patient
advocate, decision maker and teacher.
The celebrations are just one way of showing our deep
appreciation. Beyond that, we want to empower our nurses and
help them achieve their career aspirations. At Parkway Pantai, we
have carved out different career tracks for our nurses. We have a
dynamic training and preceptor programme to help them acquire
the skills and knowledge to excel in the fast-changing healthcare
scene. Most of all, we are committed to ensuring our nurses
have an enriching and meaningful career with us, just as they are
committed to provide the best care for our patients. (See our
Nurses’ Special – pages 8 to 15)
At the Long Service and Golden Years Service Awards, we see the
company’s efforts at engaging and retaining staff bear fruit. More
than 450 staff were recognised for their loyalty and dedication
during the heartwarming event. (Read about their career journeys
on page 42)
As Parkway Pantai continues to grow, there will be more stories
to tell of people who make the organisation a success. You, too,
can be one of them.
WE WANT YOUR FEEDBACK
Do you have story ideas or comments to share with us?
Write to: [email protected], or Group Corporate
Communications, Parkway Pantai Limited, #15-01, TripleOne
Somerset, 111 Somerset Road, Singapore 238164.
EDITOR‘S NOTE
CONTRIBUTORS
Writers
Thava Rani
Evelyn Mak
Charissa Tan
Photographers
Terence Tan
Lim Yao Hui
editor’s
note
1
04
36
08
38
16
42
22
46
28
CONTENTS
04
36
NEWS BITES
SPOTLIGHT
Bite-sized health news and tips
Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital
celebrates its official opening
08
COVER STORY
Parkway Pantai salutes its nurses for their
hard work and outstanding performance
16
CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP
Mount Elizabeth Hospital gets the public
thinking about medical coverage
Healthcare workers turn coral rescuers at
Pulau Redang
Pantai Hospital Ipoh and Pantai Hospital
Kuala Lumpur join forces to conduct
wellness camps
22
SNAPSHOTS
Through the lens around Parkway Pantai
28
PROFILES
Cardiologist Dato Dr Leslie Lam has a heart
for his patients
Neurosurgeon Dato Dr Jagdeep Singh Nanra
talks about his fascination with the brain
Fann Wong and Christopher Lee’s
bundle of joy
42
AT YOUR SERVICE
427 Parkway Pantai staff in Singapore
receive awards for long service
46
NEW SCIENCE
Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur launches
Gamma Knife for non-invasive
treatment
Non-invasive method of replacing
the aortic valve
no handshakes,
please
Scientists at Aberystwyth University in Wales are calling for
the use of fist bumps as greetings instead of handshakes. A
handshake transfers 10 times as many bacteria as fist bumps.
This is likely to be due to the larger surface area and longer
duration of contact.
Source: BBC News
healthy fats
NEWS BITES
Avocado is sometimes used as a substitute for meat in sandwiches and salads
because of its high fat content. Three quarters of the calories in avocado goes
to fat, but fear not, for most of it is monounsaturated fat. This is considered
“good fat” which reduces bad cholesterol in blood and lowers risk of stroke
and heart disease.
Compared to other fruits, avocado has lower sugar content and more protein.
It is also a rich source of fibre and vitamins. A study published in the Nutrition
Journal last year has even found that people who ate more avocados were
more likely to have lower body weight and waist circumference.
Source: Medical News Today
4
warm milk for better sleep
Is it true that having a warm glass of milk before going to bed will help you sleep better?
It certainly is, for tryptophan, an amino acid found in milk, promotes the
production of serotonin and melatonin, hormones that ease you
into slumber. If you’re not a fan of milk, non-caffeine herbal
products such as camomile tea, and a few drops of lavender
oil on your pillow are also try-worthy methods for a good
night’s sleep!
Experts also suggest having a light healthy snack, such as a
small serving of fruit and unsalted nuts or a banana with yogurt,
as carbohydrates make it easier for these hormones to reach
the brain. On the other hand, a heavy meal, especially if the meal
contains spicy or fatty food, can cause discomfort and impair sleep.
Source: The Telegraph
under stress,
burn less
Stressed women have higher insulin levels. This increases the
rate at which fat is stored. The stored fat is also less likely to be
converted into energy for use.
In a study, 58 middle-aged women were asked about the kinds of
stress they were facing, before given a meal consisting of turkey
sausages, eggs, biscuits and gravy. The meal contained 930
calories and 60 grams of fat, which is comparable to the amount
of fat and calories in a double patty hamburger and fries.
Results show that women who were stressed were burning an
average of 104 calories fewer than non-stressed women within a
seven-hour time frame after a meal. In a year, that could add up to
5kg of excess weight gain.
Source: The Telegraph
NEWS BITES
neither left nor right
Research by the University of Utah has found that people do not use
one side of their brains more than the other. It is the connections among
all brain regions that enable humans to engage in both creativity and
analytical thinking. This debunks the myth that one who is analytical is leftbrained and creativity is confined to the right side.
Brain scans of participants from ages 7 to 29 at rest were examined. The
researchers looked at activity in 7,000 brain regions, and scrutinised neural
connections within and between these regions. Although there were
pockets of heavy neural traffic in certain key regions, both sides of the
brain on average reflected equal neural networks and connectivity.
Study researcher Jeff Anderson said, “It’s absolutely true that some brain
functions occur in one or the other side of the brain. Language tends to be
on the left, attention more on the right. But people don’t tend to have a
stronger left or right-sided brain network.”
Source: Live Science
5
karaoke and health
Activities that promote better health are not limited to sports!
Studies have shown that singing benefits your heart rate,
breathing and general well-being. It is also a great way to
de-stress and fight depression, anxiety and fatigue.
Deep breathing used during singing is said to be good for the
nervous system. Studies on 19,356 men aged 40 to 69 in Japan,
the birthplace of karaoke, showed that karaoke reduced stress
and is linked to a lower risk of stroke and heart disease.
Researchers in Sweden have also found that choral singing
produced many of the same effects as yoga. Singing in a choir
has also been proven to reduce anxiety significantly. Even if you
don’t feel comfortable singing in front of others at a karaoke
joint or in a choir, you can still enjoy the same health benefits by
having a solo concert in the car or in the shower!
Source: Livestrong.com
NEWS BITES
6
healthy skin, hair
and weight
Supermodels Miranda Kerr and Gisele Bundchen and Hollywood
celebrities Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie have
been known to use coconut oil in their body and health care routines.
Coconut oil is believed to promote healthy skin, shiny hair and it even aids
weight loss. It also contains antioxidants and being plant-based, vegans,
too, can enjoy its benefits!
Coconut oil moisturises the skin naturally and just a tablespoon of it is
said to be sufficient for full body application. For hair treatment, use two
teaspoons on the entire scalp and hair length; leave it in for an hour or
overnight, and shampoo off to healthier, shinier hair.
Virgin coconut oil has been proven to contain fatty acids which are said
to increase metabolism and the burning of calories. Experts recommend
starting with one teaspoon daily, gradually increasing intake up to four
teaspoons a day.
Source: news.com.au
foods to avoid
when pregnant
While eating well is important for the health of both the mum and
the baby, there are some usually considered nutritious foods that
pregnant mums should avoid.
Raw or undercooked food can harbour a bacteria called toxoplasma,
which could endanger the baby. That means undercooked steaks,
sushi and anything with raw fish or shellfish are off the list. Raw
vegetables and fruits can harbour toxoplasma too, so it is advised to
thoroughly wash them with a vegetable brush.
Listeria, a bacteria that can multiply at temperatures inside a
fridge, can be found in unpasteurized milk, soft cheeses, meat
spreads, deli meats and even smoked seafood. You can still have
ham, bacon or smoked salmon, but make sure they have been
thoroughly heated.
Source: WebMD
junk food to
motivate elderly
patients
Doctors in the UK are saying that junk food could be good for
elderly patients. It was reported that hospitals throw away as
much as 30 million uneaten meals annually.
It is common for patients in poor health to lose their
appetites, but not eating at all is worse than eating junk food.
Malnourishment causes elderly people to get weak, and it
takes more effort and time for them to recover from illnesses.
Doctors suggest that unhealthy snacks such as chips, ice cream
and doughnuts could be used to encourage and motivate
patients to eat.
Source: Mail Online
NEWS BITES
Dressings and desserts made with raw eggs are out too, because
they can be contaminated by salmonella. Freshly squeezed juices
may also contain E. coli.
7
our TIME to SHINE
COVER STORY
For 2014’s Nurses Day in Singapore, Parkway Pantai’s
central celebrations were held at Orchard Hotel on 31
July to honour its people and the nursing profession.
8
We will continue
to support your
aspirations, develop
your capabilities
and recognise your
contributions. Your
time has come to
shine and make a
real difference.
Dr Tan See Leng
Group Chief Executive Officer
and Managing Director of
Parkway Pantai
The scope of nursing has evolved tremendously, with exciting pathways that can
lead to a promising career and immense job satisfaction. An experienced nurse can
choose to go into specialised clinical care, preceptorship, or even management
and administration. Now, nurses are respected as qualified healthcare professionals
in their own right, a far cry from the perceived hand-maiden role of yesterday to
doctors. In recognition of this, Parkway Pantai’s Nurses’ Day celebration is aptly
themed ‘Nurses Leading Change’. The Guest-of-Honour for the occasion was Dr Lim
Suet Wun, Chief Executive Officer of Parkway Operations Division.
The key highlight of the celebrations was the launch of the organisation’s very own
nurses’ handbook. Curated by Group Director of Nursing, Elaine Ng and her able
team of nurse educators and managers whose institutional knowledge and rich
hands-on experience have led to its successful development, the book is intended to
be a useful guide, reference as well as refresher for all nurses to strengthen nursing
foundation and grow competencies.
In a separate heartfelt message of appreciation, Group Chief Executive Officer and
Managing Director of Parkway Pantai, Dr Tan See Leng, declared, “On behalf of the
management, I thank you – nurses – our trusted partners in care. Most importantly,
I thank you for being such warm hospital ambassadors 24/7 because you create the
experience and impression that patients and visitors will have. We will continue to
support your aspirations, develop your capabilities and recognise your contributions.
Your time has come to shine and make a real difference!”
Nurses attending the central celebrations enjoyed the food, the games and
sponsors’ booths, and had a most wonderful time catching up with one another
before returning to their respective hospitals for more celebrations.
COVER STORY
9
NURSES leading CHANGE
COVER STORY
10
We need to have
a ‘voice’ of advocate
for our patients
and profession. Be
ready to challenge
and train yourselves
to your fullest
potential.
Elaine Ng, Group Director
of Nursing
Parkway Pantai honours its best nurses of 2014
who have led the way and set the pace in achieving
continuing excellence.
We look to role models for inspiration when the going gets tough. During the
Nurses’ Day central celebrations in Singapore, Parkway Pantai gave out four awards
to outstanding nurses in recognition of their excellent work and the commitment to
care, teach, mentor and precept.
In her address to the nurses, Group Director of Nursing Elaine Ng reminded that the
nurses must continually challenge themselves and embrace a culture of reflection
and learning as well as respect and understanding. She urged, “We need to have a
‘voice’ of advocate for our patients and profession. Be ready to challenge and train
yourselves to your fullest potential.”
Promising Young Nurse Award Recipients
From left
• Zhan Jian, PEH
• Zhang Lan Mei, GEH
• Su Nandar Aung, MNH
• Htet Htet Aung, MEH
Inspiring Nurse Leader Award Recipients
(Highest nursing award in Parkway)
From left
• Tan Lai Poh, GEH
• Audrey Brampy, MEH
COVER STORY
Outstanding Nurse Preceptor
Award Recipients
11
From left
• Beatrice Wong Man Ling, PEH
• Minette Carangihan Opulencia, MNH
• Esguerra Rodaline Dela Cruz, MEH
• Shamini D Sambathan, GEH
Nurse I Admire Most
Award Recipients
From left
• Rita Tan Poh Beng, GEH
• Manpreet Kaur Gill, MEH
• Manisah Binte Mansoor, PEH
• Ei Wai Phyo, MNH
touching PATIENTS,
CHANGING lives
Three nurses from Parkway Pantai’s Singapore hospitals are
recognised by the Ministry of Health for their dedication
to their jobs.
Nurses, the people who are at the frontline of patient
care, have the ability to make a patient’s stay in the
hospital as pleasant as possible and are the ones patients
often turn to when they are feeling discomfort or worried.
COVER STORY
12
Each year, the Ministry of Health acknowledges the
important and hard work of these dedicated individuals
to the nursing profession by awarding nurses across
public sector hospitals, private hospitals, and in the
intermediate and long-term care sector with the Nurses’
Merit Award. And this year, three nurses from Gleneagles
Hospital, Mount Elizabeth Hospital and Mount Elizabeth
Novena Hospital garnered awards for their outstanding
performance in the workplace.
COVER STORY
Sister Gao Jun is remarkably adaptable and dedicated. She shoulders
her clinical and leadership responsibilities with competence and
gravitas. Her knowledge and professionalism are reassuring to her
nurses, patients and doctors.
Josephine Ong, Director of Nursing, Gleneagles Hospital
Gao Jun
Nurse Manager
Gleneagles Hospital (GEH)
recovering from surgery, and even patients with neurological
problems. So it can be a challenge making sure that you are
able to meet their needs,” she admits.
“From my earliest memory, all I’ve ever wanted to do was be a
nurse, to be that ’angel in white’ who would help people when
they were in pain,” Sister Gao Jun smiles as she recalls her
childhood.
“When patients are in pain and uncomfortable, or when family
members are worried about their loved ones, their fuses can
be very short,” she shares. “But I believe that if you put your
heart into taking care of your patients, they will be moved by
your sincerity.”
After graduating from nursing school, she worked for five
years in China before moving to Singapore to work in GEH.
“I was looking for a chance to broaden my horizons, to learn
more about what nursing was like in other countries, so when
the opportunity came for me to work in Gleneagles Hospital in
1996, I grabbed it.”
Over the last 18 years, she has poured her heart and energy
into her career, with outstanding results. Currently, she leads
a team of nurses and staff to provide care to patients in a 30bed multi-disciplinary ward.
Her patients are at the heart of everything she does. “We have
patients with a variety of ailments – cancer patients, those
One thing she always tries to instil in her team is that a little
concern goes a long way. “Showing patients that you care isn’t
difficult,” she insists. “All you have to do is take time to chat
with your patient, to ask their family members how they are
doing, or just put your arm around them if you see that they’re
feeling down. And when you see the smile return to their
faces, or when they take the time to thank you when they are
discharged, all that hard work is worth it.”
Currently pursuing her degree in Nursing, Sister Gao also
believes that there is more that she can do for her patients.
“There’s always something new to learn on the job, and I will
continue to work hard to become a better nurse!”
13
COVER STORY
For over 30 years, Nurse Manager Khoo Mee Oon has worked selflessly,
freely giving her time, leadership and compassion. With exemplary
professionalism, she has led her team in contributing to the hospital’s
continued success.
Mona Soh, Director of Nursing, Mount Elizabeth Hospital
14
Khoo Mee Oon
Nurse Manger
Mount Elizabeth Hospital (MEH)
Sister Khoo Mee Oon has dedicated over 40 years of her life
to caring for patients.
As a young girl growing up in Malaysia, Sister Khoo imagined
herself as a nurse, offering comfort and help to those in need.
“My parents were strongly against the idea of me becoming
a nurse because they knew that the nature of the job is
very challenging,” she remembers. “But I wanted a career
that would give me the opportunity to make a difference in
people’s lives and the freedom to work in other countries, so I
was determined to become a nurse.”
The young Mee Oon headed to the UK for nurse training in
1969 and returned to Malaysia in 1976, before coming to
Singapore to begin what has become a 34-year career in MEH.
Over the years, Sister Khoo’s responsibilities have changed
immensely. “In the past, my job was quite simple and I only
had to worry about taking care of the patient,” she explains.
“These days, patients are much more knowledgeable and have
higher expectations, so we have to keep ourselves abreast of
medical knowledge and new technology. As a nurse manager,
I also have to manage my team of nurses and mentor them,”
she continues.
Having said that, one thing remains constant – patients always
come first. “No matter what happens at work, my patients are
the most important part of the job. And this is something I
keep reminding my junior nurses, that they have to treat their
patients as their top priority. And the patients know when you
make them your focus,” she insists.
“Nursing is not just a job, it is a calling. For anyone who is
thinking of becoming a nurse, I would say that it is a very
rewarding career. But you must love the job to excel at it.”
And that is precisely what Sister Khoo feels for nursing – she
truly loves her job.
Nurse Manager Suzanna Tay is adaptable and resilient to changes
and challenges. She demonstrates enthusiasm in her work. She has
the capability to engage and motivate her team to deliver excellent
patient care.
Elaine Ng, Group Director of Nursing, Parkway Pantai
Suzanna Tay
Nurse Manager
Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital (MNH)
At first look, you would not think that Sister Suzanna Tay could have 10 years of
nursing experience under her belt. But she is not one to let her youthful appearance
get in the way of making her patients feel comfortable during their stay at MNH.
COVER STORY
Having experienced how it was like on the receiving end of healthcare when her
grandfather took ill, Sister Suzanna saw for herself what a difference dedicated
medical professionals could make in the life of a patient and their family. This
strengthened her resolve to become a nurse.
After completing her nursing education in 2003, she joined the nursing team at
Gleneagles Hospital before moving to MNH in 2012.
“I was part of the pioneer group of nurses to join Mount Elizabeth Novena. As the
hospital was brand new, we had to do everything from scratch,” she recalls. But she
rose to the challenge, and now heads a 32-bed ward.
Backing her up is a wonderful team, for whom Sister Suzanna is grateful. “One of
the most useful pieces of advice that I’ve been given is from the Group Director of
Nursing, Ms Elaine Ng, who said, ’Don’t give up working as a team. Without your
soldiers, you can’t win the war.’ And this is something I keep in mind every single
day.”
Sister Suzanna also names Siti Hosier, Assistant Director of Nursing at MNH, as
instrumental in helping her fulfil her potential. “She inspires me to do my best
always. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her guidance.”
At the end of the day, Sister Suzanna is clear about her role as an
advocate for her patients. “They are often in pain and afraid. As one of
the people who spend the most time with them, it’s up to us nurses
to encourage them and lift their spirits during their hospitalisation.
They want someone to be there for them and lend a listening ear.
And that is what I try to do.”
15
run for COVER
Mount Elizabeth Hospital gets the public reflecting on
the importance of medical insurance coverage through
Singapore’s first-of-its-kind 24-hour treadmill challenge.
CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP
16
The biggest threat to retirement plan is not inflation or even market performance. It is the
unexpected medical expenses. People often overlook or underestimate the need to insure
themselves against healthcare costs which will increase with age.
It was with this in mind that Mount Elizabeth Hospital (MEH) held its ’Run For Cover’
campaign – Singapore’s first 24-hour treadmill challenge – to raise public awareness of the
benefits of health insurance coverage.
After two qualifying rounds, the running event culminated in a finale at Ngee Ann Civic
Plaza on 21 and 22 June 2014. A total of 80 runners from 10 teams, ranging from ultramarathoners to weekend joggers, took turns to run non-stop on the treadmill for 24 hours
to win 10 years’ worth of free healthcare insurance coverage. Their clocked mileage also
contributed to free cataract surgery for the needy elderly.
Dr Kelvin Loh, Chief Executive Officer, Mount Elizabeth Hospital
Team DTCC claimed top spot with a total distance of 318.79 km. Each champion team
member ran away with S$5,000 worth of free healthcare insurance coverage, which will
insure them up to S$700,000 per year for the next 10 years.
Changing attitudes to healthcare insurance
During the campaign, runners and the public were reminded about the importance of
medical insurance and encouraged to pro-actively start planning for their healthcare
coverage.
“Having sufficient health insurance is important, easy to obtain, yet often neglected.
We hope the ’Run For Cover’ campaign will get everyone to review their own medical
coverage now, so that they are well-prepared for the future,” said Dr Kelvin Loh, Chief
Executive Officer of MEH.
“We believe now is the best time to start the public conversation on being adequately
covered for healthcare. With the right medical insurance coverage, anyone can come to
Mount Elizabeth, where they can see top specialists within 48 hours.”
Changing lives of needy elderly
For every 30 km clocked in the finals, MEH will perform free cataract surgery for a needy
elderly on its premises. This is part of Parkway Pantai’s ’Life Renewed’ corporate social
responsibility programme that is fully sponsored by the Khazanah IHH Healthcare Fund.
In all, the competitors clocked a total distance of 2,763.26 km, which translated to 93
cataract surgeries. Coupled with another 24 surgeries contributed by over 200 members
of the public pounding the treadmill, a total of 117 free cataract operations for the needy
elderly were “earned” in that meaningful span of 24 hours.
CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP
We hope the ‘Run For Cover’ campaign will get everyone
to review their own medical coverage now, so that they are
well-prepared for the future.
17
CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP
NURTURE our NATURE
From saving patients to coral propagation, Parkway
Pantai makes this world a better place through a
caring workforce.
18
From 23 to 25 May 2014, as part of an organisation-wide corporate social
responsibility initiative, Pantai Ampang Sports Club (PASC) rallied 61 participants
from Pantai Holdings to participate in a special coral propagation programme at
Pulau Redang.
The three-day programme was conducted by PASC, with the support of Ocean
Quest, who oversees the coral propagation at Pulau Redang.
Learning theory
Despite a gruelling 8-hour bus ride to Terengganu from Pantai Hospital Ampang
(PHA), followed by a ferry ride to Pulau Redang, the participants were in high
spirits.
After a good night’s sleep, the staff congregated at Mutiara Beach where warm-up
activities were conducted by PASC and Seamonkey who runs the diving centre in
Mutiara Beach. They were briefed about coral and its propagation, and trained to
attach coral fragments onto natural live rocks using ordinary glue.
Putting into practice
Chairman of Pantai Holdings, Datuk Khairil Anuar Abdullah, officially launched the
coral propagation programme, accompanied by Chong Yee Mun, Chief Executive
Officer of PHA.
The process of planting corals was eagerly attempted by the healthcare workers
turned coral rescuers. Through sheer concern, determination and an eye for details
– qualities honed by years of patient care – the team set the ground for creating a
rehabilitated coral reef stretch over the next five to 10 years.
CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP
19
more CAMPS
for WELLNESS
Pantai Hospital Ipoh and Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur collaborated
with media broadcast partner Astro and Jabatan Kesihatan
Cameron Highlands to give back to the local community through
a meaningful health initiative.
CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP
20
As part of our
corporate social
responsibility, we
remain committed
to reaching out
to our immediate
communities.
Anwar Anis, Chief Executive
Officer, Pantai Hospital Kuala
Lumpur
Encouraged by raving reviews of its annual wellness camps to promote a healthy
lifestyle, Astro Uruthunai organised its fifth series of free wellness camps for the
community. The Astro Uruthunai Wellness Camps were conducted in four schools
located in the Klang Valley between 28 June and 20 July 2014, in collaboration
with Pantai Hospital Ipoh (PHI), Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL) and Jabatan
Kesihatan Cameron Highlands.
The aim was to reach out to as many people as possible to increase awareness of
health-related issues, and at the same time, to detect illnesses early and focus on
preventive measures.
The health screening activities included blood pressure check, body mass index,
glucose and cholesterol test, hearing assessment, step test for heart, bone density
scan, and spine and joint assessment.
In addition, free clinical breast examinations and dietary consultations were
provided. Free mammogram vouchers were given to women of 40 years and above
while free spectacles were distributed to underprivileged students.
There were also health stations giving information on how to quit smoking,
substance abuse (alcohol) as well as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first
aid demonstrations.
Through collaborative efforts, we have greater resources to make
our community a safer and healthier place.
Kelen Leong, Chief Operating Officer, Pantai Hospital Ipoh
Anwar Anis, Chief Executive Officer, PHKL added, “This year marks the 40th
anniversary of PHKL. With four decades of established track record and community
healthcare excellence in Malaysia, we are happy to commemorate this milestone
with the launch of today’s Community Wellness Camp in partnership with Astro.
As part of our corporate social responsibility programme, we remain committed to
reaching out to our immediate communities.”
CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP
“This Wellness Camp is reflective of our hope and aspirations to play a vital role in
the health of the community and individuals. PHI hopes that with better awareness
and earlier detection, we would be able to deter, delay or reverse any health
related diseases as prevention is better than cure. Through collaborative efforts, we
have greater resources to make our community a safer and healthier place” said
Kelen Leong, Chief Operating Officer of PHI.
21
hospital in
MANJUNG
OPENS
Parkway Pantai’s 12th hospital in Malaysia – Pantai Hospital
Manjung (PHM) – had its soft launch opening on 19 May
2014, all ready to serve the local community! As a multidisciplinary community hospital with a 108-bed capacity,
PHM began operations with 60 beds.
SNAPSHOTS
22
At its soft launch, PHM marked the celebrations by inviting
the public to participate in activities such as health screening,
children colouring contest, cooking demonstration and
health talks. Hospital tours were also conducted by staff
nurses and the trail covered the emergency room, imaging
room, maternity and general wards as well as clinics for the
public to know more about the hospital.
The hospital offers services in Anaesthesia, General
Medicine, Internal Medicine, Ophthalmology, General
Surgery, Ear Nose Throat Surgery, Orthopaedics as well as
Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
your day, MUMS!
On 10 May 2014, mothers from all walks of life,
including patients, guests and Gleneagles Kuala
Lumpur’s (GKL) own staff were feted in a special
Mother’s Day celebration organised by the
hospital themed “Mother’s Day, Pamper Day!”.
The day kicked off with GKL presenting its own
working mothers with a specially designed t-shirt
that said “Happy Mothers’ Day to the Best Mom
in the World” which they wore while handing out
roses, t-shirts, cupcakes and well-wishes to both
patients and guests.
Mothers in GKL were treated to pampering
manicure-pedicure sessions as well as
comforting back and shoulder massages.
FARM in
the CITY
Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur’s (PHKL)
Sunshine Junior Club members – children
born at PHKL – and their parents were taken
on an outdoor excursion to Farm In The City
on 31 May 2014. They experienced what
an open farm is, with hands-on activities
during which children get close and personal
with different animals, experience a village
ambience and see tropical trees and plants.
SNAPSHOTS
Regional Chief Executive Officer of Gleneagles
Hospitals and Chief Executive Officer of GKL
Datuk Amir Firdaus Abdullah said, “It is in a
hospital where you can truly see the sacrifices
of a mother; the way she tends to her sick
child and at the same time, she shoulders the
responsibilities of work and home. Mothers are
truly super humans. For us, this is our small way
to appreciate their sacrifices and honour these
super moms on this special day.”
23
PARKWAY’S
movie world
SNAPSHOTS
24
Favourite classic characters from Spiderman, Minion,
Snow White, Wonder Woman, Darth Vader to even
Iron Man were spotted roaming in Singapore Expo Hall
on 16 August 2014. Within the same premises, apart
from the numerous game stalls, people were queuing
to take part in activities such as rock climbing, a
30-metre flying fox, laser tag, bubble-bumping Zorbe
soccer and gladiator challenge. Elsewhere, inflatable
bouncy castles, kids electric cars and makeover booths
provided child-friendly entertainment for the young
ones. Throw in a movie booth screening the latest
blockbusters with free flow candy and popcorn, two
lucky draws and you have “It’s Showtime!” – Parkway’s
Movie World 2014. This is a specially designed and
built from ground original attraction for Parkway
Pantai’s Family Day! A 2,500 strong crowd comprising
staff and their families thronged the venue, enjoying
the diverse activities and the opportunity to bond.
Dr Tan See Leng, Group Chief Executive Officer and
Managing Director of the organisation, together with
Dr Lim Suet Wun, Chief Executive Officer of Parkway
Operations, and Phua Tien Beng, Chairman of the
Family Day Committee gamely role-played Star Wars
iconic characters – the Emperor Palpatine, Obi-Wan
Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker respectively – for the
opening, much to the delight of the audience.
SNAPSHOTS
25
READY anytime
SNAPSHOTS
26
Practice makes perfect. In healthcare,
there is zero room for errors when lives are
at stake. That’s why Parkway Pantai’s four
Singapore hospitals – Gleneagles Hospital,
Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Mount Elizabeth
Novena Hospital and Parkway East
Hospital – run regular drills to make sure
they are fully prepared for emergencies
and disasters. From establishing a sound
command and control structure to clearly
laid out roles and responsibilities for
departments and team members, each
hospital shows that it is both an art and
a science that they have mastered when
it comes to pandemic exercises, and that
they will not be complacent.
Parkway Operations Division’s Chief
Executive Officer Dr Lim Suet Wun
recently hosted his tea session for staff
to know them better and understand
their concerns, to improve the
workplace, on 22 July 2014. The next
one is scheduled for 28 October 2014.
teh tarik or TEA?
Hareeff bin Muhammed, Chief Executive
Officer of Pantai Premier Pathology also started
having his ’Teh Tarik’ sessions in his office on 6
and 7 July 2014 to engage staff.
WORLD
HEALTH DAY
carnival
SNAPSHOTS
These ’Teh Tarik’ sessions give employees,
especially the new and younger staff, from
Klang Valley branches a chance to share their
thoughts with Hareeff. A custom-made mug
printed with ’Teh Tarik Session with CEO’
was given to each participant as a souvenir
to make the event more memorable. At each
session, each staff was invited to share about
how they feel working in Pantai as well as their
expectations and wish list.
On 12 April 2014, over 500 people crowded Tapak Dahlia at
Taman Titiwangsa, where Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur held its
World Health Day Carnival 2014 to join in the fun activities
from mass dancing to cooking.
“Keeping fit and healthy should be part of everyone’s daily
lifestyle, and raising health awareness is our responsibility
as a healthcare provider. This is a wonderful event from
which we can see the community starting their Saturday
healthily.” said Claire Sondaz, the hospital’s Marketing
Communications Director.
27
DOCTOR of the
HEART
Renowned cardiologist Dato Dr Leslie Lam shares
about his love for cardiology, his patients, and the
honour of receiving a Honorary Medical Degree from
his alma mater, University College, Dublin.
PROFILES
For most families, a child who aspires to be a doctor would be lauded and
encouraged. But that was not the case for renowned cardiac surgeon, Dr Leslie Lam.
Coming from a lineage of bankers, he was expected to toe the family line.
28
Cardiology was one
of the most exciting
fields in medicine at
that point in time
because there were
a lot of advances
being made, like
coronary bypass
and intervention
cardiology.
“My family wanted me to become a banker too, and had everything planned out for
me. But I wanted to do something more exciting. And I thought that medicine would
be a good choice.
“My family thought I was mad because there were no doctors in the family!” he
laughs, “They didn’t understand my choice.”
Dr Lam’s medical studies brought him to Ireland, where he was enrolled in University
College, Dublin (UCD). And it was there that he developed a special fondness for
cardiology. “Cardiology was one of the most exciting fields in medicine at that point
in time because there were a lot of advances being made, like coronary bypass and
intervention cardiology,” he explains. Once the decision was made, Dr Lam took up
training in treating congenital heart failure for four and a half years, before going
into paediatric cardiology. From Dublin, he then moved to London, where he spent a
year as a Cardiac Fellow at the Royal Brompton Hospital.
It was after his time in London that Dr Lam faced another crossroad – whether to
stay in London or Ireland, or to return to Singapore to further his career. “I spoke to
my mentor, who was very honest and told me, ’You may become my right-hand man,
but you will never take over my job, because there are 10 other Irish guys in waiting’.
So he told me to go home, and that was the most important move in my life,” he
recalls.
Home is where the heart belongs
The decision to return home to Singapore not only affected Dr Lam, but also his
wife, a general practitioner whom he had met during medical school in Dublin, and
his two daughters. “The first year was tough – we couldn’t even afford an apartment
then! But things improved quickly.”
PROFILES
29
I strongly believe
that my job is to
make sure that
everything I do
must benefit my
patient.
Meanwhile, he continued his research on the latest technological advances in
cardiology. This led to his exposure to a brand new procedure – the percutaneous
transluminal coronary angioplasty, or balloon angioplasty. “When I first heard about
this procedure, I thought it would be a wonderful alternative to a coronary bypass
and I wanted to be trained in this. The head of my department was against my
decision, thinking that such a procedure would never take off. But I insisted on it,”
he shares.
In 1988, he became the first cardiologist to perform a balloon angioplasty in
Singapore and his medical career took off from there. “Since the introduction
of balloon angioplasty, the number of patients going for bypass surgeries has
plummeted. Angioplasty is a first choice procedure for most patients; bypass surgery
is considered only when it is not possible to do angioplasty.”
Over the years, Dr Lam has become one of the most respected cardiologists in
Singapore, even being appointed as the personal physician to royalty, and an
honorary consultant to government officials. He has also built a successful practice at
The Cardiac Centre in Mount Elizabeth Hospital.
PROFILES
He may have been conferred the title of Dato, but Dr Lam remains a humble man
whose first priority is his patients. “I strongly believe that my job is to make sure
that everything I do must benefit my patient,” Dr Lam shares. “If you don’t keep to
that principle, you start doing procedures that benefit your practice or to earn more
money, then it is wrong.”
Pay it forward
30
Dr Lam also believes that giving back to society is a very important part of being a
doctor, something that he began doing as a volunteer taking care of Vietnamese
refugees back during his time in Dublin. “I think being successful and not giving back
to society would be very wrong,” he insists. And one of his biggest charity projects
was doing volunteer work in Myanmar, making regular trips there with a team of
doctors to treat underprivileged patients in the country, and helping to train doctors
in more updated treatment methods.
“Doing surgeries in Myanmar in the 90s was quite risky because the electricity supply
could be a little unstable. There were times when the power would go out in the
middle of a surgery, and my team had to crank the heart-lung machine by hand until
the electricity came back on!” he recalls. “But even then, my colleague, Dr Joseph
Sheares, and I carried out a live course where he would do open heart surgery and
I would carry out a balloon angioplasty, and it would be televised live to over 300
doctors so they could learn the procedures.”
“I get a lot of satisfaction from treating underprivileged patients. You know that you
are truly changing their life, and I always feel like I’ve accomplished something more
meaningful with them,” he smiles.
PROFILES
Recognised for his achievements
I don’t think you
will ever tire of
your job if you
enjoy it. Even now,
when I successfully
complete a difficult
case of balloon
angioplasty, it feels
so good and it
makes my day.
With over 30 years of medicine, thousands of successful surgeries and healthy
patients, a loving wife and two daughters successful in their own rights, it’s no
wonder that Dr Lam is a very contented man. These days, he splits his time between
work, leisurely games of golf, and his treasured wine collection. He also continues
to contribute to his alma mater in Ireland, offering a number of scholarships and
fellowships to promising students at UCD, and encouraging them to further their
studies at the school.
Dr Lam also made a special contribution to Irish literature with the formation of the
O’Brien-Lam collection, a selection of priceless items belonging to the Irish novelist,
playwright and Nobel Laureate, Samuel Beckett. The collection, which included
historical documents, artworks, photographs and correspondence about Irish
literature, history, and history of Irish art, was donated to UCD in December 2012.
In recognition of his achievements in clinical cardiology, along with his contribution
to medical education, research, and his support of UCD over the years, the school
conferred an Honorary Doctor of Medicine (honoris causa) degree upon him in June
this year. Only six individuals have received this in the university’s 160-year history,
making it an exceptional honour. “I was very honoured and humbled to receive this
honour,” he beams.
Even with the recognition that he has gained and numerous patients he has worked
with, Dr Lam still finds passion in his work. “I don’t think you will ever tire of your
job if you enjoy it. Even now, when I successfully complete a difficult case of balloon
angioplasty, it feels so good and it makes my day. I will only call it a day when my
work becomes a chore,” he promises.
31
PROFILES
32
BRAINY business
Neurosurgeon Dato Dr Jagdeep Singh Nanra shares
how the brain won his heart.
With a father who was a cardiologist at the state hospital in Terengganu, young
Jagdeep Singh Nanra was no stranger to hospital life. However, his father did not
want him to follow in his footsteps.
“Being a doctor meant long working hours, high stress levels and responsibilities.
My father told me to be anything except a doctor. He wanted me to be an engineer
or lawyer!” recalls the 48-year-old neurosurgeon and spine surgeon who has since
carved a name for himself at Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur (GKL).
His father eventually packed him off to Australia at the age of 15, for secondary
school education.
“I wanted to be a pilot then because I loved flying and travelling,” he recalls. “But to
make my parents happy, I took computer engineering instead in university. After two
years of trying, I decided enough was enough and I still preferred medicine!”
PROFILES
Patients can be
suffering and in
intense pain when
they are admitted,
but after surgery,
they will leave
happy and smiling.
That’s so gratifying.
For the love of the brain
Dr Jagdeep went on to Dublin, Ireland, to pursue his medical degree and specialist
training as well as settle down and start a family. He chose to specialise in
neurosurgery in his final year of university under the tutelage of neurosurgeon
Mr Danial Rawluk, someone he describes as a “surgical genius’’.
“He has such excellent techniques. I learnt a lot from him and we still keep in touch
today, exchanging notes and case studies,” says Dr Jagdeep.
He found neurosurgery fascinating because the brain is the ultimate organ that the
body can’t live without. “Even the heart’s function is specifically to keep the brain
alive. In brain-dead patients, the heart will automatically stop pumping after a while
when it realises that it is no longer needed,” he explains.
“Neuroscience is the fastest moving medical specialty,” he reveals. “Historically, all
of medicine’s advancements such as image-guided systems, CT scans, MRI machines
were invented for the purpose of brain research.”
The best part is seeing the big difference to a patient’s life after a surgery or
procedure to remove tumours in the brain such as aneurysm. “Patients can be
suffering and in intense pain when they are admitted, but after surgery, they will
leave happy and smiling. That’s so gratifying,” he beams.
33
PROFILES
The knife that doesn’t cut
34
Dr Jagdeep’s eyes light up when he talks about Gamma Knife, GKL’s latest
radiosurgical device for the treatment of brain tumours and lesions (Find out more
about the Gamma Knife on page 46). He praises the functions of the revolutionary
tool, touted to be a game-changer in neurosurgery for deep-seated and small
lesions that are difficult to reach with conventional surgery without risking brain
damage.
Despite its name, there is no cutting involved in the Gamma Knife. This translates
into faster recovery time, less bleeding and fewer surgical complications.
“Brain surgery is a complex procedure and I don’t blame patients and family
members of patients for being scared when told they need to have surgery on the
head. If anything goes wrong during surgery, the patient could end up with other
problems such as impaired speech, balance, coordination, vision loss or blood clots
that could potentially cause a stroke,” he explains.
With the Gamma Knife, procedures can be done on an outpatient basis, so patients
can choose to either go home or to the hotel after treatment, or stay for one night
for observation.
“Compare this to conventional brain surgery, where patients need to be in ICU for at
least two days and hospitalised for a week, following surgery. There is more mental
anguish, loss of productivity for caregivers who need to take longer leave, and
anxiety about the outcome,” says Dr Jagdeep.
Never take things personally and never take problems home.
An advocate of the adoption of new technologies, he also works closely with close
friend and comrade, Datuk Amir Firdaus Abdullah, Chief Exective Officer of GKL, to
push the hospital forward in medical advancements, especially in neurosurgery.
Making Malaysia home
Today, Dr Jagdeep, fondly known as Dr Jack among colleagues and patients, enjoys
a fast-paced daily routine.
Having been away from Malaysia for 22 years, coming home to serve on home
ground in 2003 was a bitter-sweet experience. The first thing he struggled with was
the language, as his entire family spoke little, if any, Bahasa Malaysia when they first
returned.
PROFILES
However, they loved the friendly people, year-round warm weather, 24-hour street
food and tranquil beaches of his hometown in Terengganu, resulting in him staying
for good.
Having to face life and death issues daily has given the father of three a balanced
perspective of life. Dealing with little children is the hardest. His youngest patients
are a mere few days old. Having to tell parents that their little ones might not make
it through the night, or live a normal life after severe brain infections is heartbreaking, even for the seasoned surgeon.
He often advises, “Life is unpredictable – enjoy yourself!” Surgery is stressful
especially with highly complex and intense cases, but he strikes a balance
with two key life philosophies: “Never take things personally and never take
problems home.”
Spending time on golf, hockey, cricket or a pint with his businessmen or
lawyer friends helps him to relax and avoid job burnout.
Like his father, Dr Jagdeep also does not want his children to be doctors
because of the hard work and high stress levels. Whether they rebel against
his decision, like what he did two decades ago, remains to be seen!
35
OPENING doors to
NEW POSSIBILITIES
Operational since July 2012, Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital
celebrates its opening with a stellar track record.
SPOTLIGHT
36
On 13 September 2014, Parkway Pantai commemorated the
official opening of its crown jewel, Mount Elizabeth Novena
Hospital (MNH), Singapore’s first hospital to be built from the
ground up in more than 30 years. Minister for Health, Mr Gan
Kim Yong, graced the ceremony as its Guest-of-Honour, joined
by more than 150 guests from Singapore and various parts of
the world.
In his speech, Minister Gan highlighted the MNH and Tan Tock
Seng Hospital (TTSH) collaboration, a pilot programme to help
ease the ongoing bed crunch at TTSH’s Accident & Emergency
Department. “Through such public-private collaborations, we
are finding creative ways to make healthcare more accessible
to Singaporeans. I applaud Parkway Pantai for stepping
forward to be part of the solution,” said Minister Gan.
Chairman of Parkway Pantai Dato’ Mohammed Azlan Bin
Hashim said, “Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital is testament
to Parkway Pantai’s foresight, focus and diligence. When
we first decided to embark on this ambitious project, many
had thought it would not be viable. But what others saw as
impossible, we saw as an opportunity – hence the hospital’s
tagline ‘It’s possible.’”
Since MNH opened its doors in July 2012, it has treated
more than 20,000 patients, most of whom are Singapore
residents.
SPOTLIGHT
Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital is testament to Parkway
Pantai’s foresight, focus and diligence.
Dato’ Mohammed Azlan Bin Hashim, Chairman of Parkway Pantai
The hospital has achieved many 'firsts' in the industry,
including being the first to introduce MAKOplasty® Partial
Knee Resurfacing surgery using RIO® Robotic Arm Interactive
Orthopaedic System in Singapore, having Singapore's first
hybrid operating theatre in a private hospital and the first
biograph molecular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system
in Asia.
“More than 200 specialists are actively admitting patients into
Mount Elizabeth Novena today, a testament to the hospital’s
clinical capability and a strong reflection of the strong demand
for quality healthcare services in Singapore and the region,”
said Dr Kelvin Loh, Chief Executive Officer of MNH.
The hospital has been on a strong growth trajectory since
commencing operations in July 2012. It hit operating break-
even within a year of opening, and saw a more than 60% surge
in patient volume in the past one year.
Buoyed by the strong demand, the hospital launched its new
maternity ward – a first in Singapore in the last 16 years – in
March this year, together with new paediatric, obstetrics and
gynaecology services. The hospital plans to open more wards
by the end of this year. It will start to offer radiation oncology
services by the first quarter of 2015.
“Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital is committed to make quality
private healthcare accessible to as many Singaporeans as possible.
We aim to minimise delays and most patients are able to receive
diagnosis and treatment within 48 hours”, said Dr Loh.
37
a NATIONAL
DAY
“ZED”SATION
Celebrity couple Fann Wong and Christopher Lee enjoy parenthood at
Mount Elizabeth Novena.
Since late July this year, local celebrity Fann Wong was all packed and ready to be
at the hospital at a moment’s notice. But little did she expect her precious little
bundle of joy to arrive on the nation’s 49th birthday.
SPOTLIGHT
38
“I guess the baby loves the country and the fireworks so much that he decided to
choose National Day!”
Magical moment
From the moment
Zed was born,
carrying him in my
arms and breastfeeding him for the
first time were all
special moments.
And each time it
happens, I feel closer
to my son. It’s
simply beautiful.
Fann Wong
SPOTLIGHT
When baby Zed was born amidst the country’s celebratory mood, everything else
became secondary to Fann. Only his first cries mattered. Clearly overwhelmed with
joy, she could not control her tears when she heard him for the first time.
Describing it as a “dream come true”, both she and husband, local actor
Christopher Lee, are enjoying every minute with their son, and are looking forward
to spending more time with him. The experience has also given Fann a new-found
respect for mothers, especially those who have had two or three kids.
“We asked for our baby to room in with us and my brother said, ’Good luck!’. We didn’t
understand him at that time, but after the first night I realised why,” she quipped.
39
Nevertheless, both Fann and Christopher have no regrets with the choice they
made because they now feel they understand Zed a bit better. Despite the lack of
sleep, Fann is “totally enjoying the transition” and is glad that she didn’t wait to go
home to start the bonding.
“From the moment Zed was born, carrying him in my arms and breast-feeding him
for the first time were all special moments. And each time it happens, I feel closer
to my son. It’s simply beautiful.”
For now, both agree that the most challenging thing is to understand the baby’s
different cries. Figuring out whether he is hungry, or needs a diaper change, or just
wants to be carried has not been easy, but they believe they’re making progress.
“Last night was especially hard and we were a little lost. We had a little party with
some of our close friends – which by the way was thoughtfully organised by the
hospital – and Zed may have had a little too much stimulus. So he became quite
cranky through the night, and we really didn’t know what to do. But in the end he
settled down close to dawn. So, yes it’s tiring but we wouldn’t have it any other
way,” let on Christopher.
From twosome to threesome
Married for five years, the couple had been receiving quite a bit of pressure about
starting a family. Being in the limelight all the time didn’t help either but they both
took it in stride.
SPOTLIGHT
And when the couple eventually found out that Fann was pregnant, there were no
jumps for joy or big parties.
“We both remained very quiet. It took us a while to take in the moment and allow it
to sink in. We didn’t go out to celebrate or anything like that. Instead, we became
very careful because we didn’t want to hurt the baby,” said Fann.
The months that followed were particularly tough on Fann. The nausea and
vomiting stressed her up, and it didn’t help that Christopher was away on filming.
40
“I was not having an easy time like some of my girlfriends. I was literally a Merlion.
The dining table, room and corridor were all not spared!”
But once she went past the first trimester, things became more manageable. Fann
began to really enjoy her pregnancy and even did a Demi Moore-esque photoshoot
for a series of advertisements.
A labour of love
When her contractions started on the eve of National Day, she and Christopher
checked themselves into Mount Elizabeth Novena, all ready to welcome the new
addition to their family. Strangely enough she couldn’t feel much, although the
sensors indicated strong contractions that were one-minute apart.
“Actually, even in the labour ward she wasn’t sure if she was having contractions.
She didn’t need the epidural at all!” said Christopher.
As she was close to full-term in her pregnancy, they opted to go natural. But more
than 10 hours later, doctors became quite concerned.
“Both the doctor and Chris didn’t want the baby to go into distress. I thought I
could still do it, but taking everything into consideration, we decided to go for a
Caesarean,” shared Fann.
In good hands
Christopher Lee
“The next thing I knew, the doctor was calling for Chris and I heard the baby cry!”
Although it had only been two days since baby Zed was born when this interview
was conducted, Fann was already recovering well. In fact she surprised some of her
friends by being up and about at the party the previous night.
“There is still some pain, so I’m on pain killers but I don’t expect it to go on for too
long because the doctors told me everything seems to be in order. I know I’m in
good hands so I’m not worried,” she shared.
While they had initially picked the two-year-old hospital for its proximity to their
home, the care and reassurance they received as jittery first-time parents more than
convinced them that they had made the right choice. Even Chris, who had been
impressed with the hospital when he first came here for the filming of a local drama
about two years ago, felt their stay here had exceeded their initial expectations.
“It felt we were at a hotel or resort instead of a hospital. I almost went looking for
the bar fridge!” laughed Fann.
The staff too, made an impression.
SPOTLIGHT
From Day 1 till
delivery, the hospital
took excellent care
of us. The doctors
and nurses were
all very observant,
efficient, attentive
and meticulous. We
feel really lucky to
be here. There’s so
much warmth
and support.
Once that decision was made, Fann was pleasantly surprised with the speed
and efficiency of the doctors and nurses. The move from the labour ward to the
operating theatre went on like clockwork.
“I love the nurses. They shower so much love on my boy. They are very proactive
and are able to anticipate my needs,” said Fann.
Proud father Christopher agreed, “From Day 1 till delivery, the hospital took
excellent care of us. The doctors and nurses were all very observant, efficient,
attentive and meticulous. We feel really lucky to be here. There’s so much warmth
and support.”
41
And baby makes three
While they will miss the staff at the hospital, the couple can’t wait to bring little Zed
home. If Christopher had his way, he would spend every second with little Zed, at
least till the end of the year.
“He’s been waking up with me at night and Zed simply loves his voice. Every
time Chris carries him, Zed will become very calm and quiet. It’s really amazing!”
revealed Fann.
Fann hopes to have another baby but for now, she just wants to take it one step at
a time.
“I’d like to continue breast-feeding and taking care of Zed full-time for at least
three months. I think these few months are crucial to develop a bond with the baby.
And I really want to thank the hospital and staff for giving me head start in that
aspect, and for taking such wonderful care of me and Zed. Without them, I wouldn’t
be so relaxed!”
AT YOUR SERVICE
42
growing TOGETHER =
becoming BETTER
Parkway Pantai’s Singapore Operations celebrates committed
colleagues for chalking up another career milestone and give
credit where it is due at its annual Long Service and Golden
Years Service Award ceremony.
Parkway Pantai held its annual Long Service and Golden Years Service Award
ceremony on 29 May 2014 to honour its Singapore employees. There were 427 Long
Service Award recipients, a 15% increase from 2013, of which 407 staff have worked
between five and 30 years. 24 other remarkable individuals were awarded the
Golden Years Award which is given to staff in recognition of every three-year period
of service, for staying with the organisation beyond the official retirement age.
But being a preferred employer is more than rewarding staff loyalty with money. At
Parkway Pantai, to attract and keep talent, corporate leadership, human resource
policies, career pathways, quality work life are part of a larger cycle that keeps staff
engaged and motivated. The management also tries to create opportunities to
develop staff and fulfil their career aspirations while encouraging work life balance.
Dr Lim Suet Wun, Chief Executive Officer of Parkway Operations, in his opening
speech to the recipients, expressed his appreciation, “Your contribution to this
organisation is invaluable and we are proud of how your achievements have
mirrored ours. Stay with us and let’s continue to grow on this exciting healthcare
journey together! Thank you!”
HONOURING
their SERVICE
Mosaic meets three inspiring recipients of Parkway Pantai’s Long
Service Awards from the Singapore operations. They have risen
through the ranks with the opportunities and nurturing environment
provided by the organisation, and propelled by their positive
attitudes, dedication and hard work.
Imagine working in a department right from its birth, watching
with pride as it grows from a one-man show with minimal
facilities to a successful radiology department serving patients
from all over the world.
Ms Lim Fung Leng, a Senior Principal Radiographer at
Gleneagles Hospital (GEH) is part of such a legacy.
Fung Leng was drawn to a radiographer’s career by an
advertisement and took up a course upon completing her ’A’
Levels.
After graduation and two years in a restructured hospital,
Ms Lim spent eight years at Mount Elizabeth Hospital – “I
was there before it was a Parkway Pantai hospital!” – before
moving to Gleneagles Hospital in 1988. “I was the first
radiographer that Parkway hired!” she beams.
Being a pioneer, Fung Leng had the opportunity to learn the
use of all the imaging equipments like CT, MRI and ultrasound.
“The chance to keep up with the latest technology and be
trained in different equipment was one of the reasons why
I chose to work in a hospital, even though I was offered
opportunities to move to smaller clinics where work would be
easier.”
Over the years, Fung Leng has transitioned into a more
managerial role, taking care of the daily manpower allocation
of a team of 24 radiographers in her department.
“My work can be challenging because the needs change
daily,” she shares. “However, because of the years I’ve spent
hands-on as a radiographer, I am able to suggest practical
ways of solving any problems they face.”
All these years, Fung Leng has never lost interest in her field.
“Medical technology has grown by leaps and bounds, and
there will always be new equipments and procedures,”
she says. “Radiology now plays an important
role in the medical field, helping doctors to
diagnose their patients correctly. And
this makes it even more important for
me to do a good job, so that doctors
have clear images to work with.”
To Fung Leng, empathy and patience
are important qualities for anyone
considering radiology as a career.
“We are dealing with people
who are scared or in pain every
day. So being able to put
ourselves in the patient’s shoes,
and feel compassion for them
is an essential personality trait
on the job.”
With an impressive 25 years at
GEH under her belt, Fung
Leng is proud to say she has
grown with the department.
“This is my family,” she
declares proudly.
AT YOUR SERVICE
Lim Fung Leng, 56
Senior Principal Radiographer,
ParkwayHealth Radiology
43
AT YOUR SERVICE
Being able to sympathise with and support the caregivers is
also key to becoming a good nurse.
Sally Tang, Nurse Clinician, Mount Elizabeth Hospital
Sally Tang, 60
Nurse Clinician,
Mount Elizabeth Hospital (MEH)
44
A lively, ball of energy who brings joy and comfort to her
patients – that is a perfect description of Sister Sally Tang. For
the last 25 years, she has brought this energy into the wards
at MEH.
After a seven-year hiatus taking care of her two children,
Sister Tang re-joined the workforce as an agency nurse at
MEH, before coming on board full-time as a staff nurse in
the surgical ward. “I was attracted by the high energy and
dynamics of the department, and thought it would be a very
exciting place to work in.”
In addition to looking after patients’ medication and nursing
care, her new job requires her to guide the nurses in her
department in the clinical aspects of patient care, making
sure medications are correct and everything is documented
properly by the doctors.
One of her biggest challenges is dealing with concerned
family members who are scared and want to find out what
is going on. “They ask us questions that we are not in a
position to answer,” she says. “I feel for the family members
when I see them going through emotional and psychological
pressure. So aside from taking care of the patients, being able
to sympathise with and support the caregivers is also key to
becoming a good nurse,” she strongly believes.
What keeps the smile on her face every day is having a
cohesive team who is selfless in caring for the patients, and
knowing that she is making a difference in someone else’s life.
“I once had a patient who was in a semi-comatose state and
could not respond, but I would talk to her whenever I was in
her room. And when she woke up, she immediately recognised
me as ‘Sister Sally’. And when I asked her how she knew me,
she said she recognised my voice!”
The working environment at MEH is something else that is her
motivation for work. “I feel cared for in this organisation. There
was a time when I needed to take urgent leave because my
husband was not well, and though we were short of staff, my
bosses still granted me the leave to take care of him until he
recovered.”
It is a combination of heartwarming moments, a meaningful
career, and great working environment that continues to fuel
her love for nursing.
Flus and fevers, aches and pains, one-day illnesses to chronic
conditions – these are some examples of what Dr Chan Hsiu
Mei has been seeing daily, as a doctor with Parkway Shenton.
“While I had the option of starting my own practice, I decided
against it because I had three children to take care of and
wanted a little more flexibility and better work-life balance –
something that Parkway Shenton offered me,” she says.
And so, for the last 25 years, Dr Chan has served at the
Parkway Shenton clinic at Singapore Press Holdings (SPH).
She even moved with the company when they moved their
headquarters from Genting Lane to Toa Payoh North. In
addition to treating patients in the company, she also assists
the company’s human resource department on employment
matters, mostly when there are red flags in any preemployment health checks.
As a general practitioner (GP), Dr Chan feels that good
communication skills are extremely important. “It’s important
to have patience and a good listening ear, because you need
to pick out the issues or most important things that need to be
looked into when a patient comes to you.”
Another challenge that is unique to GPs is the wide variety of
patients that they see. “When you’re in family practice, you
see patients of all ages. So you have to be knowledgeable
about everything from paediatrics to geriatrics,” Dr Chan
continues.
While she thoroughly enjoys her job, there are times that Dr
Chan needs an escape. “Exercise is my go-to form of stress
relief, so I go for long walks in parks, where there is loads of
fresh air, sunshine, flowers and trees. A favourite spot for me
is the Botanic Gardens. I also tend to choose places that have
great scenery when I travel, like when I went to Tasmania last
year – it was absolutely gorgeous there!”
Even after so many years of treating patients at SPH, Dr Chan
doesn’t see herself retiring anytime soon. “It’s nice to be able
to take care of my patients over many years… and I will only
stop if I find that I am physically or mentally unable to cope
with the work!” she declares.
It’s important to have patience and a good listening ear, because
you need to pick out the issues or most important things that need
to be looked into when a patient comes to you.
Dr Chan Hsiu Mei, Parkway Shenton
AT YOUR SERVICE
Dr Chan Hsiu Mei, 57
Doctor,
Parkway Shenton
45
the NO-CUT edge
Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur is the first hospital in Malaysia
equipped with the advanced technology to do incision-free
brain tumour procedure with extreme precision.
NEW SCIENCE
46
Now, brain cancer patients in Malaysia can undergo a noninvasive form of surgery, with the introduction of gamma knife
at Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur (GKL).
risk for anesthesia and conventional surgery,” said Regional
Chief Executive Officer of Gleneagles Hospitals and Chief
Executive Officer of GKL, Datuk Amir Firdaus Abdullah.
The gamma knife technology – a first for Malaysia – and GKL’s
Gamma Knife Centre was launched by YAM Tengku Puteri Lela
Wangsa Pahang, Tengku Tan Sri Hajjah Meriam binti Sultan
Ahmad Shah and YB Datuk Seri Dr S Subramaniam, Minister of
Health Malaysia, on 19 June 2014.
During the procedure, the patient would wear a specialised
head frame that is surgically fixed to the skull, so that the
brain tumor remains stationary at the target point of the
gamma rays. Unlike conventional brain surgery, patients are
not required to shave their heads. Hospitalisation is also rarely
required as the whole procedure usually takes only half a day
and recovery time is minimal.
With this new technology, complex procedures can be
performed with extreme precision to shrink tumours and kill
cancer cells, while sparing healthy tissues surrounding the
targeted treatment area. It also has the ability to treat hard-toreach tumors, or tumors in critical areas within the brain.
Despite its name, there is no knife or scalpel involved. Instead,
192 precise beams of radiation are directed to the treatment
area in the brain.
“The procedure gives better clinical outcome than
conventional brain surgery because it does not require surgical
incision. It offers new hope for older patients or individuals in
poor medical condition who might be considered to be at high
“We are pleased to be the first hospital in the country to offer
this Gamma Knife surgery at one of the lowest prices in the
region. It not only reflects our commitment to provide cancer
patients with up-to-date and better care options but also
highlights the ability of our skilled, multi-disciplinary oncology
team to handle the most complex patients,” he added.
To further boost its capabilities, GKL recently invested
RM50 million to develop a top-notch Neurosurgery Centre.
With these developments, patients can now seek affordable,
high-end neurosurgery in Malaysia.
Dr Paul TL Chiam
Senior Consultant
Cardiologist
Mount Elizabeth Hospital
taking the RIB CRACKING
out of HEART SURGERY
First in Asia to perform transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR),
Dr Paul Chiam shares about this new minimally invasive procedure.
The conventional treatment for this disease is open heart surgery
to replace the aortic valve. However, the surgical risk is high for
many elderly patients and patients with debilitating diseases such
as poor heart condition, severe lung disease and end stage renal
failure. Some may even be inoperable.
Introducing TAVR / TAVI
Now there is a non-invasive method of replacing the aortic valve.
Known as transcatheter aortic valve replacement or implantation
(TAVR/ TAVI), this technique is commonly performed via a small
puncture in the groin, where a new valve is delivered via a catheter
(tube) into the heart and implanted within the patient’s native
aortic valve.
This method was first performed in 2002 for a patient who was
too sick to undergo an open heart operation.
For some patients, other access sites may be required, for
example via the subclavian artery in the chest, the aorta or a
5-6 cm incision in the left chest wall.
Unlike an open heart surgery, TAVR does not require cracking
open the patient’s chest, stopping the heart, and removing the
native aortic valve. In fact, the procedure can be performed under
local anesthesia with the groin approach.
Several large randomised studies have shown the promise of this
technology. TAVR is now the treatment of choice for inoperable
patients and may be a safer treatment option for patients with
high surgical risk.
With the development of modified and new generation
transcatheter heart valves and delivery systems, patients
with severe aortic valve stenosis can look forward to reduced
procedural complications and improved outcomes.
NEW SCIENCE
The incidence of aortic valve stenosis – narrowing of the opening
of the aortic valve – rises with age. When the valve narrowing
becomes severe, patients develop breathlessness, fainting spells
and chest discomfort. Left untreated, up to 50 per cent of patients
may die from the condition within two years.
47